Tenali

The word Tenali is derived from Teravali. Local lore claims that the word is a misnomer of Tella Naali, meaning White Naali tree. The white colour bark is an uncommon occurrence of Holoptelea integrifolia(Indian Elm), which is found in abundance around the town.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Charles Philip |date=1903 |title=A Telugu-English Dictionary. New ed., thoroughly rev. and brought up to date...2nd ed |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/brown_query.py?page=647 |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=dsal.uchicago.edu}}

Three canals of the Krishna River flow through Tenali City, making it a part of the rice bowl of Andhra Pradesh, resembling Paris, where three canals pass through the city. Hence Tenali is affectionately called "Andhra Paris". In 2011 the city limits were expanded by many kilometers. The expansion included the villages of Angalakuduru, Nandivelugu, Kolakaluru, Pinapadu and Burripalem.

The Andhra–Satavahana dynasty ruled the region around the present city from 225 B.C. to 225 A.D. The relics found in the excavations around Tenali reveal the existence of Jainism and Buddhism. One such example is the inscription in Ramalingeswara temple, dating back to the 16th century AD.{{cite book|title=A Manual of the Kishna District, in the Presidency of Madras: Compiled for the Government of Madras|publisher=Lawrence Asylum Press|page=213|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H74RAAAAYAAJ&q=duggirala&pg=PA213|access-date=4 July 2016|year=1883}}

File:Pinapadu pond.jpg

Tenali is situated at {{coord|16.239|N|80.645|E}}, on the southern deltaic region of Krishna River. The city is spread over an area of {{Convert|29.56|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}. It lies at an average altitude of {{convert|13|m|ft|0|abbr=}} above mean sea level. It is also called as City without a National Highway. The East canal, the Nizampatnam canal and the West canal flow through the city, which originates from Krishna River.{{cite web |title=Project Report on Green Cover Augmentation in Tenali Municipality |url=https://tenali.cdma.ap.gov.in/sites/default/files/action%20plan%20for%20green%20cover%20docx.pdf |website=Tenali Municipality |publisher=Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration, Andhra Pradesh |access-date=13 May 2019 |page=4}} The region around the city forms a part of Western Delta System of Krishna river.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/good-rain-in-ap-t-but-no-water-in-krishna-projects/articleshow/59705298.cms|title=Good rain in AP, T but no water in Krishna projects|date=22 July 2017|website=The Times of India|access-date=2019-05-28|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722223235/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/good-rain-in-ap-t-but-no-water-in-krishna-projects/articleshow/59705298.cms|archive-date=22 July 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Jonathan |first1=P. Samuel |title=Dip in paddy price dampens the mood |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/dip-in-paddy-price-dampens-the-mood/article22454129.ece |access-date=29 May 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=17 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109035155/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/dip-in-paddy-price-dampens-the-mood/article22454129.ece |archive-date=9 November 2020 }} The area is covered by Alluvium and the main soil varieties are Red and Black.

Climate

Tenali has a tropical wet and dry climate (Köppen Aw). The average annual temperatures range from a high of {{convert|33.3|C|F}} to a low of {{convert|24.2|C|F}}. May is the hottest and December is the coolest months of the year.{{Cite web|url=http://en.climate-data.org/location/24222/|title=Climate: Tenali – Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table – Climate-Data.org|website=en.climate-data.org|access-date=2016-05-11}} The city receives maximum rainfall due to the onset of southwest monsoon season from June to October. The annual precipitation averages {{convert|1017|mm|in|0}} with the month of August being the highest with {{convert|202|mm|in|0}} and January being the lowest with {{convert|1|mm|in|0|abbr=}}.

{{bar box

|title=Religion in Tenali (2011)

|titlebar=#fcd666

|float=left

|bars=

{{bar percent|Hinduism|orange|83.76}}

{{bar percent|Islam|green|13.11}}

{{bar percent|Christianity|blue|1.94}}

{{bar percent|Others (incl.unclassified and
religion not stated)|grey|1.19}}

}}

{{Historical population

| source = {{cite web |title=City Sanitation Plan |url=https://tenali.cdma.ap.gov.in/sites/default/files/city%20sanitation%20plan%20-%20Tenali.pdf |website=Tenali Municipality |publisher=Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration, Andhra Pradesh |access-date=13 May 2019 |page=12}}

| 1971 | 102937

| 1981 | 119257

| 1991 | 149726

| 2001 | 193756

| 2011 | 222895

}}

{{As of|2011}} census of India, there were {{formatnum:43593}} households with a population of {{formatnum:164937}}. It comprises {{formatnum:81427}} males, {{formatnum:83510}} females and {{formatnum:14340}} children (age group of 0–6 years). The average literacy rate stood at 82.75% with {{formatnum:124618}} literates, of which males were 164,467 and females were 160,151. There are a total of {{formatnum:60756}} workers and {{formatnum:6238}} non–workers. The number of households in 74 slums (37 notified and 7 non–notified) were {{formatnum:18958}} and the total slum population was {{formatnum:75831}}.{{rp|11,23}}

Telugu is the most spoken language with a total of {{formatnum:142085}} native speakers, followed by {{formatnum:19923}} Urdu speakers. A significant minority speak Hindi, Marathi and Bengali.{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue – Town Level |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16_Town.html |website=Census of India |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India |access-date=13 May 2019}} Select "Andhra Pradesh" from the download menu. Data for "Tenali (M)" is at row 12690 of the excel file. The religious population constitute {{formatnum:138156}} Hindus (83.76%), {{formatnum:21619}} Muslims (13.11%), {{formatnum:3206}} Christians (1.94%) and {{formatnum:1355}} (0.82%) not stating any religion.{{cite web |title=C-1 Population By Religious Community |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html |website=Census of India |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India |access-date=13 May 2019}} Select "Andhra Pradesh" from the download menu. Data for "Tenali (M)" is at row 2693 of the excel file.

File:Tenali Municipality.jpg

The Tenali Municipality is the seat of local government and the Tenali municipal council is the legislative body. It was constituted in 1909 and is classified as a special grade municipality. The jurisdiction of the civic body is spread over an area of {{convert|16.63|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}. It has a total of 70 election wards: 27 unreserved and 43 reserved. The wards are reserved 4 for SCs, 12 for STs and 24 for BCs.{{cite web|title=Municipality wards|url=http://www.apsec.gov.in/ELECTIONRESULTS/RESULTS%202014/Andhra%20Elected%20councilors%20List,%202014.pdf|website=Andhra PRadesh – State Election Commission|access-date=27 June 2016}} Each ward is represented by a ward member and the wards committee is headed by a Chairperson.{{cite web|title=The Constitution (Seventy-Fourth Amendment) Act, 1992|url=http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/amend/amend74.htm|website=India Code|publisher=Ministry of Law and Justice, Legislative Department|access-date=28 March 2016}} The present Municipal Commissioner of the city is Venkata Krishna.{{cite news |last1=MN |first1=Samdani |title=Enrolment only on paper, Mepma fills staff pockets |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amaravati/enrolment-only-on-paper-mepma-fills-staff-pockets/articleshow/69180416.cms |access-date=25 May 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=5 May 2019 |location=Amaravati |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104231908/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amaravati/enrolment-only-on-paper-mepma-fills-staff-pockets/articleshow/69180416.cms |archive-date=4 January 2020 }} The municipality of the city has received several awards, such as the Green Leaf Award 2015 for Best Decentralised Solid Waste Management{{cite news |last1=India |first1=The Hans |title=TS and AP NGOs sweep Green Leaf awards |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hans/2015-06-08/TS-and-AP-NGOs-sweep-Green-Leaf-awards/155893 |access-date=11 May 2019 |work=thehansindia.com |date=8 June 2015|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511043612/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hans/2015-06-08/TS-and-AP-NGOs-sweep-Green-Leaf-awards/155893 |archive-date=11 May 2019 }} and Green City of the country for waste segregation management.{{cite news|title=Green City award for Tenali|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/green-city-award-for-tenali/article2852895.ece|access-date=19 December 2015|work=The Hindu|date=2 February 2012|location=Vijayawada|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406152749/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/green-city-award-for-tenali/article2852895.ece|archive-date=6 April 2021}}

The city is represented by Tenali Assembly constituency in the state legislative assembly.{{cite news |last1=MN |first1=Samdani |title=A three-cornered battle for Tenali |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/a-three-cornered-battle-for-tenali/articleshow/68587258.cms |access-date=25 May 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=27 March 2019 |location=Tenali |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406152951/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/a-three-cornered-battle-for-tenali/articleshow/68587258.cms |archive-date=6 April 2021 }} The assembly segment forms a part of Guntur Lok Sabha constituency, which represents the lower house of Indian Parliament.{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/CurrentElections/CONSOLIDATED_ORDER%20_ECI%20.pdf|title=Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008|date=17 December 2018|website=The Election Commission of India|publisher=National Informatics Centre|page=20,30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003220916/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/CurrentElections/CONSOLIDATED_ORDER%20_ECI%20.pdf|archive-date=3 October 2018|access-date=25 April 2019}} The present MLA from Tenali is Mr. Nadendla Manohar. Currently, Mr. Nadendla is serving as the Minister of Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.

File:Solid waste management park.jpg

The municipality oversees civic needs, such as water supply, sewerage, roads, and parks, and is included in the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation.{{cite news |last1=Vadlapatla |first1=Sribala |title=Amaravati among 31 AP cities selected for Amruth development {{!}} Hyderabad News |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Amaravati-among-31-AP-cities-selected-for-Amruth-development/articleshow/48431080.cms |access-date=11 May 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=11 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405164748/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Amaravati-among-31-AP-cities-selected-for-Amruth-development/articleshow/48431080.cms |archive-date=5 April 2021 }} The city residents rely on borewells, overhead reservoirs, and a filtration plant for daily water needs, which mainly draws water from the Krishna river of Prakasam Barrage.{{cite news |title=New project to quench Tenali's thirst {{!}} Hyderabad News |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/New-project-to-quench-Tenalis-thirst/articleshow/14617227.cms |access-date=11 May 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=3 July 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028214925/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/New-project-to-quench-Tenalis-thirst/articleshow/14617227.cms |archive-date=28 October 2018 }}{{cite news |author=Staff Reporter |title=Delay in drinking water project irks residents |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/delay-in-drinking-water-project-irks-residents/article2926851.ece |access-date=11 May 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=24 February 2012 }} The city municipality implements two-bin garbage collection, sanitation campaigns like Mana Tenali – It's people's creation for hygiene of the people,{{cite news |author=Staff Reporter |title=A litter-free town, the aim of 'Mana Tenali' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/a-litterfree-town-the-aim-of-mana-tenali/article7872064.ece |access-date=11 May 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=13 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406153309/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/a-litterfree-town-the-aim-of-mana-tenali/article7872064.ece |archive-date=6 April 2021 }} ban on plastic bags etc.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2019/may/05/ban-on-plastic-bags-in-tenali-narasaraopet-1972915.html|title=Ban on plastic bags in Tenali, Narasaraopet|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=2019-05-11|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512033715/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2019/may/05/ban-on-plastic-bags-in-tenali-narasaraopet-1972915.html|archive-date=12 May 2019}}

File:Tenali Agricultural Market Yard.jpg

Tenali thrives on trade and agriculture.{{cite web |title=Dimensions of Growth |url=https://crda.ap.gov.in/APCRDADOCS/DETAILED_DRAFTPLAN/Chapter%204%20-%20Dimensions%20of%20Growth.pdf |website=APCRDA |access-date=29 May 2019 |page=53}} Irrigation in the Western Delta, the region in which the city lies, is supported by water from the Krishna river.{{cite news |title=Where TDP would rule Andhra Pradesh from |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/where-tdp-would-rule-andhra-pradesh-from/ |access-date=11 May 2019 |work=The Indian Express |date=4 September 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511044258/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/where-tdp-would-rule-andhra-pradesh-from/ |archive-date=11 May 2019 }} Paddy is the major crop cultivated, producing on an average of 22–24 bags per acre. Major crops include black gram, maize, and jowar.{{cite news |title=Maize heralds agricultural revolution |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Maize-heralds-agricultural-revolution/article16611727.ece |access-date=11 May 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=8 April 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629164247/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Maize-heralds-agricultural-revolution/article16611727.ece |archive-date=29 June 2018 }} The Tenali Agriculture Market Yard is used for trading and exporting agricultural products.{{cite news |author=Staff Reporter |title=Create awareness on State's welfare schemes, says Speaker |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/create-awareness-on-states-welfare-schemes-says-speaker/article3753097.ece |access-date=11 May 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=11 August 2012 }}

The city being a part of the capital region, is recognized as one of the future growth centers.{{cite news |title=Tenali to be Part of Amaravati Development |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2016/jan/05/tenali-to-be-part-of-amaravati-development-864746.html |access-date=11 May 2019 |work=The New Indian Express |date=5 January 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511044308/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2016/jan/05/Tenali-to-be-Part-of-Amaravati-Development-864746.html |archive-date=11 May 2019 }}{{cite news |author=Staff Reporter |title=APCCIF moots separate district for capital area |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/apccif-moots-separate-district-for-capital-area/article8522304.ece |access-date=11 May 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=26 April 2016 }} It is also a part of the Tenali–Ponnur growth corridor.{{cite news |author=Staff Reporter |title=Need to enforce building rules: VGTM-UDA vice-chief |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/need-to-enforce-building-rules-vgtmuda-vicechief/article3638675.ece |access-date=11 May 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=14 July 2012 }}

File:Tenali Ramakrishna statue.jpg

File:Satyanarayana UDA lake park.jpg

The city is notable for drama, fine arts, literature and poetry. The iconic Martyr's Memorial at Ranarang Chowk denotes the impact of the city on the Indian freedom struggle during the Quit India Movement.{{cite news|title=Tenali gearing up for centenary celebration|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Tenali-gearing-up-for-centenary-celebration/article15966827.ece|access-date=12 March 2016|work=The Hindu|date=23 January 2010|location=Tenali|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029143645/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Tenali-gearing-up-for-centenary-celebration/article15966827.ece|archive-date=29 October 2020}} The people of Tenali had responded to Mahatma Gandhi's call and organised a bandh on 12 August 1942. The British police had opened fire on them, and seven people had been killed on the spot, at Morrispeta which later came to be known as Ranarang Chowk. After Independence, seven pillars had been erected in the memory of the seven martyrs, and a statue of Mother India with a baby in her arms had been installed at Ranarang Chowk.{{Cite web|last=ilyas|first=md|date=2017-08-12|title=Tenali people to remember its seven martyrs today|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/politics/120817/tenali-people-to-remember-its-seven-martyrs-today.html|access-date=2020-08-28|website=Deccan Chronicle|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817031936/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/politics/120817/tenali-people-to-remember-its-seven-martyrs-today.html|archive-date=17 August 2017}}

It was the domicile of doyen of several social and revolutionary moments viz. Non Bramin Movement 1920 (Suryadevara raghavaiah Chowdary), Rationalist movement 1940 (Kaviraju Sri Tripuraneni), Radical Humanist Movement 1950 (Sri M.N. Roy) etc.{{Cite web|last=Mohammad|first=Azgar Ali|date=2014-09-24|title=Azgar Ali Mohammad: THE HISTORY OF TENALI 'THE ANDHRA PARIS' AND ITS ROLE IN FREEDOM AND COMMUNIST MOVEMENTS IN INDIA.|url=http://azgaralimd.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-history-of-tenali-andhra-paris-and.html|access-date=2020-08-28|website=Azgar Ali Mohammad}}

The city has been the host for events such as the formation of the 1929 Andhra Nataka Kala Parishad, the Kanyasulkam play, and cultural fests.{{cite news|title=Cultural fest all set to unfold on 16 December|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/cultural-fest-all-set-to-unfold-on-december-16/article4162718.ece|access-date=12 March 2016|work=The Hindu|date=4 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227045745/http://www.thehindu.com:80/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/cultural-fest-all-set-to-unfold-on-december-16/article4162718.ece|archive-date=27 December 2012}} Tenali Ramakrishna, one of the eight poets in the court of Sri Krishna Devaraya, hails from Tenali. In the area of modern literature are contributors such as Chakrapani, Gudipati Venkata Chalam, Kodavatiganti Kutumbarao, Tripuraneni Ramaswamy. Furthermore, Nethi Parameswara Sarma wrote the book Nurella Tenali Rangastala Charitra, which translates to 100 years of theater in Tenali.

Many artists who hail from Tenali and the nearby villages have contributed a major share to the Telugu film industry, such as AVS, Govindarajula Subba Rao (the first Telugu cinema hero), Krishna, Gummadi Venkateswara Rao, Jamuna, Kanchanamala (the first Telugu cinema heroine), Kongara Jaggayya, Rama Prabha, Savitri, Sharada, Siva Parvati and Divya Vani.

There are various religious worship centers in the city, such as the Vaikuntapuram Venkateswara temple and the Iglesia ni Cristo church. The notable Satyanarayana UDA Lake Park (or Chinaravuru park), named after former municipal chairman Ravi Satyanarayana, is maintained by VGTMUDA (now APCRDA).{{cite news|title=A perfect getaway, for children and adults|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/a-perfect-getaway-for-children-and-adults/article13364649.ece|access-date=14 March 2016|date=13 January 2012|location=Tenali|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406154454/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/a-perfect-getaway-for-children-and-adults/article13364649.ece|archive-date=6 April 2021}}

Food

File:Tenalijilebi.jpg

Jalebi is very famous in Tenali city. It is made with jaggery instead of traditional way with sugar. There is no color added to Jalebi. When film industry was in Chennai, Jalebi is sent to film industry top people from Tenali. Many parcels will be sent to abroad on a daily basis. {{Cite web |date=2021-08-02 |title=తేనెలూరే తెనాలి జిలేబీ.. తింటే మైమరచిపోవాల్సిందే! |url=https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/andhra-pradesh/here-full-details-tenali-jalebi-made-jaggery-1384080 |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=Sakshi |language=te}}

{{clear}}

File:Tenali bus station.jpg

File:Tenali railway station main entrance.jpg

Tenali has a total road length of {{Convert|410.00|km|abbr=on|}}.{{cite web|title=Details of Roads in each ULB of Andhra Pradesh|url=http://centralapp.cdma.ap.gov.in:8080/CDMAAPTaxesInfo/RoadDetails.jsp|website=Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department|access-date=27 June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801101300/http://centralapp.cdma.ap.gov.in:8080/CDMAAPTaxesInfo/RoadDetails.jsp|archive-date=1 August 2016}} Guntur, Mangalagiri, Burripalem and Ponnur roads are the arterial roads for road connectivity to the city. The road towards Guntur connects with SH 48 at Narakodur. The Tenali–Mangalagiri road, the Tenali–Narakodur road, and the Tenali–Chandole road are a part of the core road network of the district, which connects the city with Mangalagiri, Narakodur and Chandole respectively.{{cite web|title=:: APRDC ::|url=http://aprdc.ap.gov.in/UI/Profile.aspx|access-date=9 November 2016|website=Andhra Pradesh Road Development Corporation|publisher=Roads and Buildings Department}}{{Cite news|date=2008-11-05|title=Traffic restrictions for TDP meet|newspaper=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Traffic-restrictions-for-TDP-meet/article15335665.ece|access-date=2016-05-12|issn=0971-751X|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406154704/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Traffic-restrictions-for-TDP-meet/article15335665.ece|archive-date=6 April 2021}}

Bus and rail transport are the major modes of public transport for inter district and inter state commuting.{{cite news|title=Metro transport committees for TUDA, VGTUDA|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2009/oct/19/metro-transport-committees-for-tuda-vgtuda-95868.html|access-date=8 May 2016|work=The New Indian Express|date=19 October 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712155402/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2009/oct/19/metro-transport-committees-for-tuda-vgtuda-95868.html|archive-date=12 July 2018}} The bus transport is provided by Tenali bus station, owned and operated by APSRTC.{{cite web|title=Bus Stations in Districts|url=http://www.apsrtc.gov.in/Bus%20Stations.aspx|website=Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation|access-date=8 March 2016}} The station is also equipped with a bus depot for storage and maintenance of buses.{{cite web|title=Depot Name|url=http://www.apsrtc.gov.in/Depots.aspx|website=APSRTC|access-date=15 March 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Susarla|first1=Ramesh|title=Ponnur RTC depot on way out?|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/ponnur-rtc-depot-on-way-out/article3073831.ece|access-date=15 March 2016|work=The Hindu|date=11 September 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629143042/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/ponnur-rtc-depot-on-way-out/article3073831.ece|archive-date=29 June 2018}} It operates bus services to nearby and intrastate destinations.{{cite news|title=Bus commute to be more comfortable this summer|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/bus-commute-to-be-more-comfortable-this-summer/article6814529.ece|access-date=10 June 2016|work=The Hindu|date=23 January 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024085555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/bus-commute-to-be-more-comfortable-this-summer/article6814529.ece|archive-date=24 October 2020}}{{cite news|title=New Guntur–Hyderabad bus service inaugurated|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/New-Guntur-Hyderabad-bus-service-inaugurated/article15151965.ece|access-date=21 March 2016|work=The Hindu|date=28 January 2008|location=Guntur|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406155114/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/New-Guntur-Hyderabad-bus-service-inaugurated/article15151965.ece|archive-date=6 April 2021}}

The city's railway line, the Guntur-Tenali railway line, is an important and short route line that connects Andhra Pradesh and Telangana with Tamil Nadu and Kerala.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=27 April 2019 |title=Guntur-Tenali double railway line in Andhra Pradesh commissioned |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2019/Apr/27/guntur-tenali-double-railway-line-in-andhra-pradesh-commissioned-1969680.html |access-date=27 September 2024 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}} As it is a junction railway station, the trains are more frequent to any of the cities.{{cite web|title=Tenali Zonal Development Plan|url=http://crda.ap.gov.in/apcrdadocs/ZDP/TENALI%20PROPOSED%20LANDUSE%20MAP_29-08-06-Model.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419003732/http://crda.ap.gov.in/apcrdadocs/ZDP/TENALI%20PROPOSED%20LANDUSE%20MAP_29-08-06-Model.pdf|archive-date=19 April 2016|access-date=8 May 2016|website=Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh}} {{stnlnk|Tenali Junction}} provides rail connectivity to the city and is classified as an A–category station{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}} in the Vijayawada railway division of South Central Railway zone. It is an important junction station on the line between the Howrah–Chennai and the New Delhi–Chennai sections, which also connects the Tenali–Repalle branch line and the Guntur–Tenali section.{{cite web|title=Divisional info |url=http://www.scr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris/uploads/files/1448370249434-Division%20Profile.pdf|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=10 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128163230/http://www.scr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris/uploads/files/1448370249434-Division%20Profile.pdf|archive-date=28 January 2016 }}

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File:Kendriya Vidyalaya, Tenali.jpg

The primary and secondary school education is imparted by government, aided, and private schools, under the School Education Department of the state.{{cite web|title=School Education Department|url=http://rmsaap.nic.in/Notification_TSG_2015.pdf|publisher=School Education Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=12 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319051231/http://rmsaap.nic.in/Notification_TSG_2015.pdf|archive-date=19 March 2016}}{{cite web|title=The Department of School Education – Official AP State Government Portal|url=http://www.ap.gov.in/department/organizations-2/school-education/|website=ap.gov.in|access-date=7 November 2016}} As per the school information report for the academic year 2015–16, there are a total of 71 schools, comprising 26 private schools, 44 municipal schools, and 1 other type of school.{{cite web|title=School Information Report|url=http://cse.ap.gov.in/DSE/totalSchoolReport.xls#|website=Commissionerate of School Education|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=8 November 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108154343/http://cse.ap.gov.in/DSE/totalSchoolReport.xls|archive-date=8 November 2016}} The total number of students enrolled in primary, upper primary and high schools of the city is 11,544.{{cite web|title=Student Information Report|url=http://cse.ap.gov.in/DSE/districtStudentReport.do?mode=getVillageReportsList&mandalCode=281732&mandalName=TENALI|website=Commissionerate of School Education|publisher=Child info 2015–16, District School Education – Andhra Pradesh|access-date=8 November 2016}}

Sri Vivekananda Central School, Adarsh Public School,{{cite news|title=Adarsh Public School, Tenali, Guntur district|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-youngworld/montessori-public-school-tenali-guntur-district/article2268623.ece|access-date=10 June 2016|work=The Hindu|date=23 March 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610104326/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-youngworld/montessori-public-school-tenali-guntur-district/article2268623.ece|archive-date=10 June 2016|url-status=live}} Dr.K.K.R Gowtham{{cite news|title=Dr.K.K.R Gowtham near bustand tenali|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-youngworld/Sharon-Talent-School-at-Ramalingeswarapet-in-Tenali/article15698750.ece|access-date=10 June 2016|work=The Hindu|date=5 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610104641/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/be-like-the-frog-that-made-it-to-the-treetop/article6964046.ece|archive-date=10 June 2016|url-status=live}} St. John's Public School,{{cite news|last1=Sujatha Varma|first1=P|title=Be like the frog that made it to the treetop|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/be-like-the-frog-that-made-it-to-the-treetop/article6964046.ece|access-date=1 April 2016|work=The Hindu|date=6 March 2015|location=Vijayawada|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201045747/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/be-like-the-frog-that-made-it-to-the-treetop/article6964046.ece|archive-date=1 December 2017}} Kendriya Vidyalaya,{{cite news|title=Kendriya Vidyalaya at Tenali: MP|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/kendriya-vidyalaya-at-tenali-mp/article6554331.ece|access-date=1 April 2016|work=The Hindu|date=1 November 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406155204/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/kendriya-vidyalaya-at-tenali-mp/article6554331.ece|archive-date=6 April 2021}} and Westberry School{{cite news|title=School introduces CBSE's Plus One|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/school-introduces-cbses-plus-one/article8334413.ece|access-date=1 April 2016|work=The Hindu|date=10 March 2016|location=Guntur|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406155254/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/school-introduces-cbses-plus-one/article8334413.ece|archive-date=6 April 2021}} are some of the public and private schools under CBSE and state boards. Yalavarthy Veda Pathashala, one of the oldest vedic schools founded in 1894, is located in Gandhi Nagar area of the city.{{cite web |title=Vedapatasalas in Andhra Pradesh |url=http://vedicheritage.gov.in/Vedapatasalas_Andhra_Pradesh.pdf |website=Vedic Heritage |publisher=Government of India |access-date=11 May 2019 |page=3}}

There are 20 private aided junior colleges, such as the Taluk Junior college, the JMJ college for Women, the VSR and NVR college, and the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Memorial Junior college. Additionally, fourteen unaided junior colleges provide undergraduate education.{{cite web|title=List of colleges in Guntur district|url=http://bieap.gov.in/pdf/guntur.pdf|website=Board of Intermediate Education|access-date=28 September 2016|pages=8–9}} The JMJ college for women and the VSR and NVR college are the two autonomous colleges under Acharya Nagarjuna University.{{cite web|title=Autonomous colleges of Acharya Nagarjuna University|url=http://www.nagarjunauniversity.ac.in/affiliated/affcollnaac.pdf|publisher=Nagarjuna University|access-date=5 October 2016}} There are colleges for different fields of study, such as nursing,{{cite web|title=List of College of Nursing in A.P.|url=http://hmis.ap.nic.in/APNMC/colleges_of_nursing.html|website=hmis.ap.nic.in|access-date=5 October 2016}} Government Industrial Training Institute, and other institutes for vocational courses.{{cite web|title=List of colleges offering vocational courses in Guntur district|url=http://www.sakshieducation.com/(S(bjoccknv3uzg34nkfz3ecnjk))/colleges/VC/guntur-vocational%20colleges.pdf|website=Sakshi Education|access-date=5 October 2016}}{{cite web|title=Government ITI|url=http://sakshieducation.com/Colleges/ITIColleges/GUNTUR%20ITI.pdf|website=Sakshi Education|access-date=5 October 2016}}

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The city has an indoor sports complex for Badminton, Tennis and Volleyball at the Chenchupet area.{{cite news|author=Staff Reporter|title=Speaker opens indoor stadium|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/speaker-opens-indoor-stadium/article5525267.ece|access-date=5 October 2016|work=The Hindu|date=1 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006035454/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/speaker-opens-indoor-stadium/article5525267.ece|archive-date=6 October 2016}}

Sports personalities from the city include National Senior Chess Silver Medalist International Master [https://crgca.in/ CRG Krishna],{{Cite web |date=2018-12-20 |title=Aravindh Chithambaram is the Indian National Champion 2018 - ChessBase India |url=https://www.chessbase.in/news/Aravindh-National-Champion-2018 |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=www.chessbase.in}} National Challengers Championship winner and chess master S. Ravi Teja{{cite news|title=TS boy AP girl clinch national chess honours|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Sports/2016-07-31/TS-boy-AP-girl-clinch-national-chess-honours/245676|access-date=5 October 2016|work=The Hans India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930100413/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Sports/2016-07-31/TS-boy-AP-girl-clinch-national-chess-honours/245676|archive-date=30 September 2020}} and weightlifter Sai Revathi Ghattamaneni, a gold medalist at Senior Nationals in the 63-kg category.{{cite news|last1=Jonathan|first1=P. Samuel|title=Defying odds, Revathi scales new heights|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/defying-odds-revathi-scales-new-heights/article6309185.ece|access-date=5 October 2016|work=The Hindu|date=13 August 2014}}

• Tenali Rama, poet and key figure of the Court of Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara Empire
• Savitri (actress), known as Mahanati and one of the greatest Indian female actors of all time
• Yalavarthy Nayudamma, popular Scientist who died in the Kanishka airplane bombing
• Nadendla Bhaskara Rao, Politician and former Chief Minister of combined Andhra Pradesh
• Nadendla Manohar, Politician, s/o Nadendla Bhaskara Rao and former speaker of Andhra Pradesh assembly
• J. C. M. Sastry, nephrologist
• Krishna (Telugu actor), popular actor and winner of Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award
• Sobhita Dhulipala, actress and winner of Femina Miss India Earth 2013
• Sarada (actress), winner of 4 Indian national awards for best actress
• Chakrapani (filmmaker), founder of Chandamama and famous film producer

Other notable actors in film industry include Jaggayya,

• Rajyalakshmi,
• Kanchanamala,
• Ashwin Babu,
• Ohmkar,
• Maharshi Raghava,
• Punarnavi Bhupalam,
• Govindarajula Subba Rao,
• Gummadi (actor),
• Priyadarshini Ram,
• Prabha (actress) among others.

Eminent academics and poets such as

• [https://chandgudi.com Chand Gudi], Roboticist and Entrepreneur (coined Fog robotics)
• Tripuraneni Ramaswamy

• Chalam (writer)

• Kodavatiganti Kutumba Rao

• List of cities in Andhra Pradesh
• List of municipalities in Andhra Pradesh
• List of villages in Guntur district

{{Reflist}}

{{Municipalities of Andhra Pradesh}}

{{Guntur district}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Cities in Andhra Pradesh

Category:Mandal headquarters in Guntur district

Category:Cities in Andhra Pradesh Capital Region